Burglars have marred a stroke victim's battle to rebuild his career.

They stole camera and computer equipment worth £3,500 from Mark Ware's flat.

Mark, who lives with his wife Sara in Wilbury Road, Hove, said: "They forced the basement window so I guess we will have to put iron bars up now.

"I've been staying up all night after Sara has gone to bed in case they come back again.

"It will take about two months to replace it all. "

But the film-maker and photographer, whose work has been praised by acclaimed playwright Alan Bennett, has vowed not to let the burglary get him down.

Mark, 47, was fit and enjoying a successful career when the stroke left him paralysed and barely able to speak.

Doctors believe it was triggered by lifting weights, causing an artery in his neck to rupture, which led to a blood clot that travelled to his brain.

Mark said: "I was privileged, well-travelled and enjoyed life. To have all that ripped away was a major adjustment.

"I was not prepared for it emotionally or financially."

Mark's work to get back on his feet was recognised on Friday when an exhibition of his photographs went on show at the Brighton Dome.

He has also been awarded a £15,000 grant by the Arts Council to screen short films he has made.

Both achievements are major boosts for Mark, who recalls the moment he knew something was wrong with his health.

He said: "I was fit but while lifting 10lb weights I noticed my neck was sore but I didn't think much of it.

"Then one day I had a dizzy spell.

"Two weeks later I was in Milton Keynes when I had another attack. I went to the hospital but they told me to see my doctor in a few days.

"As I left I collapsed at the doors of the hospital. Amazingly they discharged me a second time."

A few hours later he suffered a severe stroke and was critically ill for two weeks.

He said: "I couldn't speak and could barely move. I still feel dizzy now and I can get confused when I'm on the phone."

One of his short films, The Dog That Barked Like a Bird, is based on the diary he kept following the stroke and will be part of a five-day show, Mind Games, at the Sallis Benny Theatre in Brighton, in September.

Another film, Free Speech, shot in George Street, Hove, was praised by Alan Bennett who wrote: "I am writing to say how much I enjoyed it, the lunacy of it.

"It is very bizarre, the mixture of horror and banality."

Mark's photographs will be displayed alongside the work of four other disabled artists in the Founders Room at The Dome, Church Street, Brighton, until March 26.